Multi-National Division - North www.1ad.army.mil Volume 2 Issue 08

Page 1 oct. 22, 2008

Bastogne artillerymen fall back on traditional role

Story and Photos By Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Doheny 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division PAO

ver the course of seven years Oduring the Vietnam War, the 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment earned the nickname, "Balls of the Eagle," where they earned 15 campaign streamers, two Valorous Unit Awards and a Presidential Unit Citation. During those rain-filled, muggy days in the jungles of Vietnam, an artillery Soldier was primarily focused on providing timely, lethal fires in support of ground forces. The role of the traditional artilleryman A ‘gun team’ from Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, brace for the concussion as they in Afghanistan and Iraq has evolved in fire a 105mm howitzer during Operation Balls Jackson I Oct. 9. The artillery Soldiers role in the operation was to set recent years though, and so too has the up and fire an artillery barrage in order to deny enemy extraction routes for an air assault operation artillery Soldier. Today he finds himself conducting jumped off the back of the Chinook “The artillery support during the counter-insurgency operations. This helicopters and began preparing their operation gave us the ability to block change in mission has often taken him firing positions, just as their Vietnam-era the enemy extraction routes during the away from what he knows best…putting brethren did more than 40 years ago. assault, keeping the enemy isolated on ‘steel on target.’ “The Vietnam War saw the first major the objective,” said Rodriguez. “It gave Falling back on the traditional role use of helicopters for transportation and us battlefield supremacy.” as cannon crewmembers, Soldiers from aerial fire support, changing the artillery According to the Maj. Timothy Alpha Battery conducted an artillery from a static role to giving it the mobility Frambes, 2-320th executive officer, raid Oct. 9, in support of an assault needed in any terrain or battlefield, the location in the Jazeera Desert has force during Operation Balls Jackson I, said Capt. Adalberto Rodriguez, Alpha become an al Qaeda in Iraq support an air assault operation in the Jazeera Battery commander. zone, where they have sought safe Desert. Rodriguez said the artillery raid haven from Coalition force operations. Two 105mm Howitzers were lifted provides the element of surprise, He said due to his battalion’s efforts with via CH-47 Chinook helicopters to an while demoralizing and confusing the increasing the security in the population isolated, predetermined landing zone. enemy troops, giving them no time for centers in the area, the enemy has The combat-loaded, air assault Soldiers reaction. Bastogne Continued on Page 3 Page 2 oct. 22, 2008

U.S. Army South Chaplain rallies Salvadoran religious leaders

organizations during such crises. Boelens underscored that any Story and photos by "Religious institutions are an often dialogue between the military and Sgt. 1st Class Dave Thompson forgotten demographic with a quietly faith-based institutions must honor the U.S. Army South PAO significant strategic strength," said separate and independent character Boelens. of each religious organization. "When "They are uniquely postured to issues of mutual concern arise, l Salvador- Laughter erupted assist in times of crises as they are not however, we need to know how to throughout a hotel conference E encumbered by many of the restrictions interact with each other in order to room near Comalapa Air Base, El binding nation-states. They have a provide humanitarian care." Salvador as U.S. and Salvadoran Army significant capacity that should be Following a disaster Boelens officials, meeting with local religious integrated into the planning process in indicated that access to basic health leaders for a conference, enjoyed a providing humanitarian assistance and care, clean water, proper nutrition, light moment. disaster relief." and adequate shelter are subjects that The laughter was at the expense of the conference coordinator, U.S. Army South Command Chaplain (Col.) James Boelens, whose ambitious attempt at the Spanish language was flavored with an appreciable dose of self- deprecating humor. With a gentle demeanor and a smile big enough to match his six-foot-seven stature, Boelens' reverent approach lent a quiet calm to the edgy business of defending a nation. He, along with some 7,000 participants from 20 nations, was taking part in PANAMAX 2008, an annual multinational exercise sponsored by U.S. Southern Command and hosted this year by El Salvador, Honduras and Panama. The scenario centered around defending the Panama Canal and locations in Honduras from a terrorist group, as well as responding to a Col.) James Boelens gives a group of Salvadoran religious leaders a tour of the PANAMAX 2008 exercise site. Boelens devastating hurricane in Honduras. discussed an initiative that outlined faith leader's responsibilities during natural disasters at a two-hour conference. Photo by Boelens' initiative focused on the By Sgt 1st Class Dave Thompson, U.S. Army South Public Affairs Office responsibilities of faith-based Salvador Continued on Page 3 Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling Contributing Writers: Sgt.1st Class Kevin Doheny Sgt. 1st Class Dave Public Affairs Officer: Maj. Margaret Kageleiry Thompson Public Affairs NCOIC: Master Sgt. Nancy Morrison Layout and Design: Spc. Ryan Elliott, 14th PAD Editor: Staff Sgt. Mark Albright, 14th Public Affairs Detachment Contact the Iron Strong at VOIP: 242-1190, DSN: 318-849-0089 or email [email protected] The “Iron Strong” is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the “Iron Strong” are not necessarily official veiws of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the Task Force Iron. All editorial content of this publication is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Task Force Iron Public Affairs Office. Page 3 oct. 22, 2008

“In combat there are no second Bastogne from Page 1 “The artillery support was the key of chances or re-dos if a timeline is missed success of the operation,” he said. sought refuge in the desert, and the or a critical step is skipped,” said air assault operation allowed Alpha Frambes. “Real Battery the element of surprise. bullets are shot by “The enemy loses his advantage real bad guys who when we arrive by air to root him out of intend to do real his hiding places,” said Frambes. “The harm. While we can demonstrated lethality, accuracy, and maintain our task speed of an air assault, combined with proficiencies by artillery fires, completely evaporates training in combat, the pool of support formerly given to we must be efficient them.” and execute the Not every artillery unit in the Army call for fire and fire- performs these types of operations; mission processing however, artillery units in the 101st precisely in order Airborne Division pride themselves to remain safe and on them. accurate when Numerous training hours are devoted ‘under the gun’ in on perfecting each and every individual combat.” task associated with such a highly- Rodriguez said that complex operation. Gun teams must this operation was be precise, fires must be coordinated a success because Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, run and the air assault force must be swift of the precision of out of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Operation Balls Jackson I Oct. 9. and agile because lives are in jeopardy fires from his gun if one element is not on target. teams.

multinational collaborative partnership to Salvador from Page 2 respond to natural disasters. "During such times of disasters, we take help from anyone who is willing to give it," require collaboration. said Palona. "In hurricanes past, the first "Religious institutions represent responder was Southern Command who the people and it doesn't matter what provided helicopters and humanitarian faith you belong to; during times of aid. We always listen to what they have crises we're all in the same boat," to say in these matters." said Boelens. "We can all benefit from The initiative was received with great each other's help. As denominational enthusiasm as one by one, the religious leaders, we have a responsibility to leaders expressed thanks, offered advice discuss means and ways to improve and pledged their willingness to do their conditions in our communities." part. During the conference, Boelens and "Many times [in the aftermath of Col. Ricardo Palona, Salvadoran Army a disaster] it's not simply a physical Chief of Civil and Military Affairs, gave catastrophe, it's also a spiritual condition," an overview of humanitarian assistance said Boelens. and disaster relief programs and outlined "We are here to provide spiritual the challenges and limitations of alerting assistance. Years ago when your country citizens during crises. They recognized was ravaged by war, we were there for the vast influence that religious leaders you. Now, you are there for us. That's have in impacting their communities what a partnership is all about-all of us and highlighted the value of faith-based caring for each other during times of organizations joining together to form a need." Page 4 Homefront News oct. 22, 2008

ELECTIONS the US goes through its worst financial crisis in "wants to cut taxes for the same people who decades. have already been making out like bandits, in some cases literally" US presidential candidates John "Raising taxes on some in order to give "John cCain is so out of touch with the McCain and Barack Obama traded sharp words cheques to others is not a tax cut, it's just another struggles you are facing that he must be the first about their tax plans as they campaigned in key government giveaway," he said in a paid radio politician in history to call a tax cut for working conservative states. address. people 'welfare'," he said. In a radio address, Mr McCain said "Barack Obama's tax plan would "The only 'welfare' in this campaign his Democratic rival's proposals amounted to a convert the IRS [Internal Revenue Service] into is John McCain's plan to give another $200bn "government giveaway". a giant welfare agency, redistributing massive in tax cuts to the wealthiest corporations in Mr McCain, who is trailing in the amounts of wealth at the direction of politicians America." opinion polls, is seeking to shore up support in in Washington." With 17 days to the election, Mr Virginia and North Carolina. He was referring to Mr Obama's McCain has failed to reverse his slide in the In front of 100,000 people in St Louis, proposal to raise taxes on the five percent of opinion polls. Missouri, Mr Obama said Mr McCain wanted Americans who earn more than $250,000 A poll by Gallup on Saturday suggested to cut taxes for wealthy firms. (£145,000) and either lower them for the rest or the Democratic senator has a nationwide lead Missouri is a state often won by give tax credits to those who do not earn enough over Mr McCain of 50% to 42%. whomever becomes president; it voted for to pay income tax. George W Bush in the last two elections. "Senator Obama believes in redistributing Mr McCain's running mate Sarah Palin the wealth, not in policies that appeared on US comedy show Saturday Night grow our economy and create Live, which has mocked her mercilessly. jobs and opportunities for She shared the stage with comedienne all Americans," he said later Tina Fey, who has caricatured Mrs Palin as an at a rally in Concord, North incoherent air-headed flirt. Carolina, attended by about The real Sarah Palin delivered the 5,000 people. show's traditional opening line: "Live from New Mr Obama replied at York, it's Saturday Night!" a rally in St Louis where he 'Bandits' drew his biggest US crowd of Mr McCain fired the first volley of the campaign - an estimated 100,000 people. Entertainment the day, saying Mr Obama's economic plan would increase taxes and stifle job creation as He said Mr McCain

Entertainment for Lexington County. last minute, I had this gnarly feeling and said, Passengers Chris Baker and Charles 'I don't think we should fly together anymore.' Still, both friends and professional colleagues God forbid something ever happened- our kids 's ex wife of Barker and DJ AM, were both said to have wouldn't have both parents. Instead of flying a claims she nearly was on board the plane that died as a result of impact-related injuries. commercial flight back home, they decided to crashed in South Carolina. Moakler, 33, shared the details with take a private jet. He emailed me pictures of Moakler tells Us Weekly that she nearly about her premonitions of the fated flight. the plane and wrote, 'It's really small and scary.' was on board the small plane that claimed four Moakler tells Us: "I was supposed to I had a bad feeling, but didn't want to sound lives and seriously injured her ex and DJ AM. go with [Travis] to South Carolina, and at the strange, so I said,'Be safe.' " On September 19, Moakler learned Travis Moakler revealed her feelings after Barker, her ex-husband with whom she claimed getting word about the plane crash and Barker's she had recently reconciled, had been in a plane injuries. crash that left the rocker, 32, with second- and She tells US: "When the paramedic third-degree burns on his hands and lower called me, I thought it was [Travis and his body. bandmates] joking. I almost hung up on him. Barker and fellow passenger DJ AM He said, 'No, ma'am, I am very serious.' I was were the only survivors of the Sept. 19 plane like, 'Oh, my God. What do I do?' and started crash in South Carolina that killed four people. crying." The deceased included pilot Sarah Lemmon The entire Travis Barker and Shanna and copilot James Bland, who reportedly died Moakler plane story is in the latest issue of Us of burns and smoke inhalation suffered in the Weekly. crash, according to Harry Harman, the coroner Page 5 SPORTS oct. 22, 2008

Football

If USC were undefeated, I would not say much since no one impresses me other than Texas. (If Penn State beats Ohio State, I will happily acknowledge them. Having had the displeasure of being forced to see John Parker Wilson over and over again on CBS, Jefferson Pilot, and ESPN for the past four years, I will never acknowledge Alabama no matter what their record is. Good kid that John Parker Wilson is but not much of a player.) But as USC will be only one of several very good one loss teams, why should they get the nod over everyone else? If things play out as expected, Ohio State will be the only ranked team that USC plays all year. While it is true that USC opponents California, Arizona, Oregon or Notre is no objective way of saying that USC would them. Dame could put together a run, the truth is that be more deserving of a national title bid than an Those USC teams had there is little evidence that any of those teams 11-1 Penn State (especially after you consider and at QB, Lendale White and have the talent to accomplish it, especially when what PSU did to Oregon State) or an 11-1 at RB, , Keary you consider that the first three all play each Oklahoma. Am I saying “anybody but USC”? Colbert, Mike Williams, and Steve Smith at WR, other plus have the rest of the Pac-10 to worry A thousand times no. In the unlikely event that and guys like Troy Polamalu, , Mike about. an ACC or Big East team finishes with a single Patterson, , and on I admit that Oregon, by virtue of having loss, I will not advocate a national title game defense. (More important, they had , already played USC, has a shot, but the truth appearance for them. and as assistants.) is that if things hold to form Ohio State will Why? Well to be honest, for the same Now maybe the players that USC has be USC's only opponent with fewer than three reason that I do not for USC. Should Virginia now have more natural ability, but they are not losses. Tech, Georgia Tech, Pitt, or South Florida as productive, not as consistent, and not as good USC fans will retort that everyone else, finish 12-1 or 11-1, they will have done so at stepping up when they really need to, and at especially the SEC, is overrated. I don't have a without beating very many superior teams. So least part of it is due to their coaches not using problem with that. why should they be advanced over teams that them nearly as well. SEC offenses are dyspeptic, Big 12 have? That 2005 USC team that nearly won defenses are sieves, and the Big 10 has yet to I am aware that USC’s excellence the national title was the first in NCAA history to show that it can compete with elite edge talent. under that causes us to presume have a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard WRs, But at the end of the day, denigrating other USC’s getting the benefit of the doubt for title and two-1000 yard RBs. conferences doesn't add a thing to what USC games. Please understand how ridiculous this By contrast, this year’s USC team likely has accomplished when USC's victories are is. won’t have a single RB or WR reach 800 yards. compared with the one loss teams from other Merely because USC is “the team of Where LenDale White broke the Southern Cal conferences. the decade” (a moniker that LSU, who lest we TD record in only three seasons PLAYING Let us go back to the overrated SEC. forget is 4-0 in BCS games including 2-0 in BACKUP, this USC team has combined for Suppose Florida wins the rest of their games. BCS title games, has some right to claim for only six rushing TDs. And the numbers that Matt You can call UGA, LSU, and Alabama frauds themselves) does not mean that they are the Sanchez are on pace for, 2500 yards with 28 TDs until the cows come home. And feel free to best team in any given year. and 12 INTs, are nowhere near what Leinart and ignore that they played Hawai’i, Miami and FSU Proof of this: FSU finished in the top Palmer put up. out of conference to focus instead on Citadel. five every single year from 1988 to 2003, but Yes, I am aware that USC is No. 1 in Even if it is all true, USC still won’t actually had a losing record A) to Miami and scoring defense. I am equally aware that the next be able to claim that they beat a better group of B) in national title games during that span. great offensive team that USC plays this year teams than did Florida. Case in point: the only Also, USC is clearly living off will be the first. USC’s great stats on defense SEC team to lose to a mid-major this year is 2-4 the accomplishments of Trojans of the haven’t exactly come against Texas Tech, Mississippi State. The Pac-10 cannot come close recent past. Well please remember that those Oklahoma State, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, to saying the same. accomplishments weren’t merely due to the Oklahoma and Texas, ok? That is just the SEC. Truthfully, there Trojan uniform, but the players and coaches in Page 6 WORLD oct. 22, 2008

France unable to convince Europe of the need for a policies to mitigate the impact of the credit concerted effort to help the car sector "it would crunch on the real economy,” Bank of America President Nicolas Sarkozy is take national measures to help the development economist Gilles Moec wrote. considering aid to help the French economy of electric cars, to create a network of service “This will add to the mechanical through the financial crisis including speeding stations capable of replacing batteries, or deterioration in public finances triggered by the up rail projects and helping car manufacturers, supporting research into fuel cells." downturn.” a newspaper reported on Monday. The government also plans to speed up He said it could bring France’s deficit He is also expected to unveil later this big rail infrastructure projects. to 4 percent of gross domestic product in 2009, week measures to fight rising unemployment. The idea of supporting environmental projects far higher than the EU’s 3 percent limit and the The report in Le Monde newspaper with the aim of boosting the economy is also government’s official forecast of 2.7 percent for is consistent with warnings from economists “totally on the table,” according to a source in next year. that France and other European countries will Sarkozy’s office, the paper said. take advantage of a clause in EU rules allowing Sarkozy is facing pressure from countries to run up their deficits in emergency politicians in his party to announce steps to help circumstances. ordinary French people after he announced 360 Germany said on Monday it was billion euros in aid last week for the banking working on stimulus measures. sector. "We needed to stop the financial crisis. The government, which has been under Now we have to get the economic machine pressure from the EU to keep its deficit under going," Prime Minister Francois Fillon told the control, had insisted that the coffers were empty newspaper. and there was no money for new tax breaks or Fillon will hold a press conference at spend. 10 a.m. EDT on Monday to discuss the economy But economists say the agreement and financing of local authorities, which have struck between France, Germany, Italy and EU been hit hard by the financial crisis. officials on October 4 to invoke the emergency Le Monde said the government clause will lead to more spending. "envisages helping several industrial sectors, “We expect some countries, especially in particular the car industry." France and Italy, to adopt stimulative fiscal The newspaper said if France was

Thailand "The police try to distort the truth. I Their rally ended soon after midday, insist that what we bring is the whole truth," while a group of about 150 pro-government Somsak Kosaisuk, one of the PAD leaders, told demonstrators also briefly gathered at the crowds of people dressed in yellow shirts, which National Police Headquarters to submit a letter shows loyalty to the revered Thai king. to the police chief. Two people were killed and nearly 500 "We will ask police to come and fight injured on October 7 when police fired tear gas back if the army stages a coup ... and we want to prevent thousands of PAD supporters from to give moral support to police," said Somyos blocking parliament, prompting some protesters Prueksakasemsuk, a pro-government activist. to fight back. "We just want to keep our democratic A police officer at the scene early system." Monday estimated that about 1,300 protesters There had been fears of clashes had turned out, and crowds later swelled, between PAD and the pro-government group, blocking traffic on normally-busy roads. About but both rallies ended without incident. About 2,000 anti-government protesters 300 police officers stood on the sidelines. Thailand's powerful army chief on marched past Bangkok's upmarket shopping Protesters carried placards emblazoned Thursday strongly hinted that Somchai should malls on Monday accusing police of brutality, with the word "Murderer" underneath photos step down and dissolve parliament to take upping pressure on the increasingly-isolated of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and the responsibility for this month's clashes. prime minister. national police chief. Remarks by the army chief are taken In a repeat of a similar rally on The PAD are trying to bring down the very seriously in Thailand, which has seen 18 Friday, supporters of the People's Alliance for democratically-elected People Power Party (PPP) coups since the end of absolute monarchy in Democracy (PAD) handed out leaflets and CDs government, accusing it of running the country 1932, one of which removed Thaksin from his showing graphic images of protesters injured in on behalf of ousted and exiled premier Thaksin post in September 2006. a deadly clash with police earlier this month. Shinawatra, who they accuse of corruption.